Act 1, Scene 1 Summary

Two servants, the Coachman and Fag, meet unexpectedly on the street in the resort town of Bath, England. Thomas, the Coachman, has just arrived in Bath, with his master Sir Anthony Absolute and his Sir Anthony's ward, Madam Julia. Fag is the servant of Sir Absolute's son, Captain Jack Absolute. Neither expects to see the other party in Bath. Thomas explains that Sir Anthony has come to Bath to head of a case of gout. Fag confides in Thomas that Captain Absolute is in Bath pursuing the love of a rather wealthy young woman.

Fag reveals that Captain Absolute is courting Lydia Languish under the disguise of a poor enlisted soldier, Ensign Beverly. Thomas is confused about why Captain Absolute would not pretend to be a general rather than a lowly ensign. Fag explains that Lydia likes him better as a...